CEA Meeting Minutes

January 19, 2005

John Hutchens opened the meeting.

A motion was made by Andrew Hendrix to approve the minutes as presented. Braden Hosch seconded the motion. The minutes were approved.

Dr. Hallman thanked the campus for its response to the Graniteville train wreck emergency. He conveyed the thanks of Dr. Sorensen and his praise of the work the USC Aiken campus providing a positive experience for those who used our campus as a shelter during the crisis.

Dr. Hallman discussed the Governor’s proposed budget.

Dr. Hallman discussed the Convocation Center. Plans for the building have gone “back to the drawing board” with hopes that the center will open between August and October of 2007.

Dr. Hallman reminded the Assembly of the CSRA Heart Walk and the need for walkers. The Heart Walk will begin at Aiken Regional Medical Center and walk through the USCA campus. Some activities to help raise monies will be the “Celebrity Chef” events and the “Singing Valentines.”

Dr. Hallman took questions from the Assembly. Topics of questions included:

Possible changes to LIFE & HOPE scholarships?
- There will probably not be any significant changes. Changes are more likely to occur in the Pell Grant.
How can information on crisis situations be better relayed to the campus population?
- Don’t depend on the local news media. Check the USC Aiken website or call the university information line at 641-3700. As soon as information becomes available and decisions about closings are made, this information is immediately put in both locations.
- Departments should also be encouraged to develop phone trees.

Mr. Tony Ateca discussed security issues. He reminded everyone in open areas to make sure they secure building keys at all times. He also handed out a flyer on “6 Ways to Improve Campus Security.”

1. Report lost or stolen keys immediately.

2. Safeguard keys by making sure they are not left unattended in an insecure area.

3. Keep track of keys issued to part time employees

a. Know what keys you have signed out and periodically check on them.

b. Limit the number of keys that go home.

c. If practical, use a key box.

4. Require departing employees to return their keys directly to maintenance.

5. If you receive keys from a departing employee, return them directly to maintenance. Do not hold on to them for your use, or pass them along to the person’s replacement or any other employee.

6. Return keys you no longer need.

Ms. Jamie Raynor encouraged all staff who are USC Aiken Alumni to join the Alumni Employee group. This group assists with various campus events, most recently the Faculty & Staff Thanksgiving and Holiday Luncheons.

Mr. Hutchens reminded the Assembly to nominate employees for the Classified Employee of the Year Awards and for the Employee of the Month Awards. He then recognized the recent Employees of the Month.

Mr. Hutchens reminded the Assembly that enrichment funds were still available to Family Fund contributing members.

Mr. Randy Duckett discussed the Athletic Task Force and its survey of community, staff, faculty, and students. The Task Force met in the fall semester and will begin making recommendations to Dr. Hallman in the spring.

Mr. Andrew Hendrix announced that recruitment will soon begin for “Pacer Spirit.”

Mr. Hutchens welcomed new staff members to the Assembly:

Rebecca Sanders, administrative assistant Career Services

Heyward Williams, Housekeeping & Maintenance

Stephanie Foote, Academic Affairs

Other Announcements included:

An invitation to see the performance of “Second City”

Nomination for Student Employee of the Year to begin in March

“Thanks” from the admissions office for being so friendly to student tour groups

Upcoming Alumni events

Employee benefits guides will be coming soon

A motion was made to adjourn the meeting by Judy Ledford. The motion was seconded by Jane Schumacher. The meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted by

Elese Cegelis, recorder

Present at meeting: